Friday, 3 July 2015

Festive Q&A with Cathy Bramley!

What sits on top of your Christmas tree?

A big battered angel with a golden skirt

Favourite Christmas song?

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses

Favourite Christmas movie?

This isn’t Christmassy at all, but the film I associate with Christmas is The Wizard of Oz. It always used to be on TV on Christmas Day and my whole family would gather round the telly with a huge tin of Quality Street and fight over the nutty ones.

Favourite festive foodie treat?

Christmas Pudding. Such a shame it’s called Christmas Pudding. I think I might rename it Sunday Pudding so I can have it every week…

The best part of Christmas is…

That lovely moment on Christmas Eve when I take a deep breath, pour a glass of Prosecco and think ‘If I haven’t bought it now, it’s too damn late.’

The worst part of Christmas is…

Well, I love Christmas and even the worst bit is bearable when I’ve got a houseful of people to help but I have to say - the washing up! And last year the dishwasher actually broke down on Christmas Day after lunch for twelve!

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?

Best: I still haven’t got over the joy of opening a Potter’s Wheel on Christmas Day when I was eight.

Worst: A crystal horn of plenty (don’t ask)

When do you do your Christmas shopping?

In my lunchbreak, at my desk, online!

Any Christmas Day traditions?

Loads! But my favourite is making mulled wine on Christmas morning . It reminds me of my granddad who always drove my grandmother mad by taking over the kitchen to make one thing when she was trying to cook the most important meal of the year for the entire family!

Favourite Christmas book?

Christmas at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan

Favourite Christmassy book cover?

I’m sorry to blow my own trumpet but have you seen the cover for Wickham Hall: White Christmas?! I love, love, love it!

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?

Summer at Shell Cottage by Lucy Diamond

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?

Wash your mouth out with soap, Sophie Hedley. I never actually found out he wasn’t real, so he must be…

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?

On the sofa with my husband’s arm round me, a box of chocolate brazils on my knee, counting my blessings.